Meteorite dust holds records of magnetism that may have helped form the sun

A new study suggests that the earliest solar system had a magnetic field that may have helped shape the sun. MIT scientists analyzed calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) from a meteorite discovered in Antarctica in 2008. These CAIs, formed 200,000 years after the solar system's formation, show evidence of ancient magnetism. The researchers estimate that the magnetic field was stronger than Earth's current magnetic field and likely played a significant role in pulling together primordial matter to form the early sun. The study's findings are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The team found that the magnetic field existed during the early stages of the solar system, when the solar nebula was still in the process of forming. The magnetic field could have influenced the movement of gas and dust toward the central star, helping to shape the sun and planets. The study also indicates that the magnetic field was present even earlier than previously thought, with evidence of a magnetic field in the meteorite samples. The researchers measured traces of a magnetic field in the ancient grains, estimating that a field of about 150 to 600 microteslas existed in the early solar system. This field strength is about three to 12 times greater than Earth's current magnetic field.

The study's co-authors include MIT researchers and others from various universities. The findings suggest that magnetism may have played a crucial role in the formation of the solar system, alongside gravity. The research highlights the importance of considering magnetic fields in the study of planetary formation. The meteorite samples, DOM 08006, are among the most primitive meteorites discovered and show remarkable preservation of their original composition and minerals. The study's results provide new insights into the early history of the solar system and the role of magnetism in its formation.

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